OSI is the second installment from this progressive metal project that features members of Armored Saint, Dream Theater, and Fates Warning. Don’t expect the usual instrumental wankery and self-gratifying solos from FREE though. Instead, envision a musical landscape laden with industrially-charged electronic rock elements not unlike Peter Gabriel meets Fear Factory on such cuts as “Bigger Wave” and “Sure You Will” and a subdued acoustic piece akin to late-era Floyd on “Our Town”. These two nuances are the most prominent here, giving FREE the odd yet workable pairing of a nu-metal edge with a fertile prog rock backdrop. This disc is geared for the forward thinking metal fan that wants a bit of ear candy. www.osiband.com
- Mike SOS